Iggy, the tropic of conversation: 10 fun facts about iguanas

Whilst most wildlife is suffering in the soaring temperatures, yesterday we told how an exotic pet iguana called Popeye was lapping up the boiling weather on Brighton beach.

Many fun-loving Daily Star readers got in touch, loving how happy Popeye looked to be soaking up the sizzling heat.

So, just for you lot, JENNIFER DUNKERLEY brings you 10 fun facts about the lovely lizards.

1. IGUANAS are long lizards that can grow to as much as seven feet from nose to tail. More than half their body size is their tail. They can live up to 20 years.

2. THEY are native to tropical climates such as the Caribbean and central and South America. They can also be found living in the wild in Florida, Hawaii and Texas. They usually like to live in palm trees.

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3. AS a cold-blooded reptile, iguanas need warm weather to survive. They usually like it be around 33C and no cooler than 21C.

4. IGUANAS really need proper care if bought as pets as they can end their own life if they feel they are not properly tended by their owner. Most pet iguanas die in the first year if not taken care of properly. According to animal charity PETA, green iguanas are among the most frequently abandoned pets, likely because people find out too late what is required to care for them. The humidified enclosure for a full-grown iguana should be at least 18ft long.

5. WATCH out! Iguanas have sharp teeth, spines on their backs and powerful tails, all of which can be used against attackers. Cleverly, they can even detach their tail if caught and grow another. Their main predators are birds of prey.

6. BELIEVE it or not they have been recorded running at 21mph. Usain Bolt has only clocked 28mph and he has much longer legs!

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7. THEY might look tough but they only eat fruit, flowers, plants and leaves. Young green iguanas will often eat the poo of grown-up iguanas to get the necessary bacteria required to digest food.

8. IGUANAS are very social beings who like to live and eat together but males fight over territories for encroachments. And young ones “look out” for their siblings.

9. THE bag under their jaw works like a camel’s hump. It stores fat in order to survive in case they can’t find food. They also use it to breathe in lots of air to help them float in water, which is useful in the tropics which are prone to flooding after a hurricane.

10. IGUANAS like to live near water and are also very fast swimmers, which is often handy when it comes to escaping their predators. They can also hold their breath for up to 30 minutes underwater.